JAMMU: A 10-day hands-on training programme in Chemical Sciences under Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 5.0 and Hackathon 8.0 concluded at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, with scientists, educators and government officials encouraging students to embrace research, innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific thinking as pathways to future growth.
The programme brought together students for intensive laboratory exposure, scientific learning and innovation-driven activities aimed at bridging classroom education with real-world research practices.
Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Jammu and Kashmir, Babila Rakwal, who attended the valedictory function as chief guest, encouraged students, particularly young women, to explore careers in research and science while cultivating patience, curiosity and original thinking.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Rakwal said science had always remained close to her despite eventually entering public administration. She urged students to move beyond the conventional mindset of becoming job seekers and instead aspire to become innovators and job creators. Highlighting the growing importance of research-led development, she called upon participants to sustain scientific curiosity beyond academic requirements.
Emphasising the value of independent thinking, she advised students to use emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as supportive tools rather than becoming entirely dependent on them. She also highlighted ongoing scientific and innovation initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed confidence that the Union Territory’s scientific ecosystem, biotechnology infrastructure and research institutions would continue to strengthen.
Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Zabeer Ahmed, said the institute has significantly expanded its outreach efforts and strengthened connections between scientific institutions and society. Addressing the gathering, he said CSIR-IIIM has increased engagement with students, schools, universities, innovators, startups and farmers through a range of programmes.
He informed that more than 3,000 school students visited the institute during the past year under outreach initiatives, while hundreds of college and university students participated in internships, training programmes and skill-development activities.
Ahmed said the institute also maintains strong engagement with startups and entrepreneurs through its incubation ecosystem and has connected with thousands of farmers through science-based societal programmes. He encouraged students to take advantage of interdisciplinary education and institutional opportunities, noting that exposure to laboratories and research environments can play a transformative role in shaping careers.
Principal, Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar, Kulvinder Kour, also attended the event and appreciated the initiative. She said such programmes expose students to opportunities in scientific research and development that often remain beyond the scope of regular classroom education.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Principal Investigator at IIIM–Technology Business Incubator and organiser of the programme, Saurabh Saran, said the training was designed as a practical learning experience rather than a conventional lecture-based exercise.
He said participants received hands-on exposure across chemical sciences, biological sciences, infectious disease research, fermentation technologies, entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems. Students also undertook field and laboratory visits and participated in Hackathon 8.0, which encouraged them to transform ideas into workable concepts and presentations while understanding the process of innovation and enterprise creation.
Senior Principal Scientist and Head, Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, Qazi Naveed Ahmed, shared his own journey into research and encouraged students to consider science as a long-term career path. He said such exposure programmes help students understand opportunities that exist beyond conventional career choices.
Students who participated in the programme described the training as an eye-opening introduction to research culture, scientific inquiry and innovation. Several participants said direct interaction with scientists, observation of laboratory work and involvement in ideation exercises provided a broader perspective on research as a career option.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Principal Scientist Showkat Rashid, who acknowledged the contributions of the organising team, faculty members, students and institutional leadership.
Students who excelled during the programme, winners of Hackathon 8.0 and resource persons who contributed to the training sessions were felicitated during the valedictory ceremony. Proceedings of the event were conducted by Vidushi Abrol.
